Men must take active role in maternal health, says official

Men must take a more active role in maternal health by supporting their partners throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period, a Koboko district health official has said.

Adiru Florence, the Assistant District Health Officer in charge of Maternal and Child Health in Koboko, said maternal health should not be treated as a responsibility for women alone, arguing that male involvement is critical in ensuring women attend antenatal care, access timely medical attention, receive proper nutrition and deliver safely at health facilities.

“Pregnancy is not only a woman’s responsibility. The man who has participated in bringing this pregnancy should also take responsibility throughout the journey,” Adiru said.

Her remarks are in line with guidance contained in the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Lao People’s Democratic Republic Male Engagement in Maternal Healthcare Booklet, published on May 5, 2026.

The 52-page guidance document, developed for healthcare providers, identifies male engagement as an important component of reproductive, maternal, newborn, child and adolescent health, encouraging men to participate in family planning, antenatal care, childbirth and postnatal care.

Beyond financial support

Adiru said some men still consider their responsibility during pregnancy to be limited to providing money for household needs, leaving women to navigate the pregnancy journey largely on their own.

She said meaningful involvement requires men to accompany their partners for antenatal care, assist with household responsibilities, support healthy eating, prepare for delivery and provide emotional support.

“Pregnancy can become difficult for a woman as the months progress. Simple things like helping with household chores, taking care of children at home, and ensuring she gets proper nutrition can make a big difference,” she said.

According to Adiru, men also have an important role in family decision-making, particularly on issues involving finances, transport and access to healthcare.

“When men are involved, women are more likely to attend antenatal care early, deliver safely in health facilities, and receive emotional support during pregnancy,” she said.

She said emotional support was equally important, particularly as women may experience anxiety and fear about childbirth and the health of their babies.

“Sometimes a woman may have fears about whether she will deliver safely or whether the baby will be healthy. Having someone close who encourages and supports her helps reduce anxiety,” she said.

Antenatal care

Adiru stressed the importance of antenatal care, saying regular visits enable health workers to monitor the health of both the mother and baby, provide health education, conduct tests and identify complications early.

She said mothers also receive guidance on nutrition, hygiene and malaria prevention, while health workers monitor conditions such as high blood pressure that could endanger the lives of mothers and babies.

“Many complications can be managed when they are identified early. That is why women should not wait until there is a problem before seeking medical care,” she said.

Adiru encouraged men to accompany their partners to antenatal appointments so they can receive information directly from health workers and participate in decisions concerning the pregnancy.

Families urged to act quickly

The health official also urged families to recognise danger signs during pregnancy and seek medical attention immediately.

These include bleeding, severe headaches, convulsions, high fever, difficulty breathing and reduced movement of the baby.

“These signs should never be ignored. When they happen, families should act quickly and take the mother to the nearest health facility,” she said.

Adiru said delays in seeking medical care remain a challenge in preventing maternal deaths and urged families to prepare for emergencies before they occur.

She advised families to identify a health facility where the mother will deliver, arrange transport, save money for emergencies, prepare necessary supplies and ensure someone is available to provide support when needed.

“Preparing early reduces delays during labour and can help save lives,” she said.

She also discouraged home deliveries, saying complications can arise suddenly and require skilled medical attention.

Adiru said improving maternal health requires collective responsibility involving couples, families, communities and healthcare providers.

“Supporting a pregnant woman is not only about helping her; it is about protecting the health of the mother, the baby, and the entire family,” she said.

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